Suing For Dog Bites In Michigan
When it comes to dog bites, the state of Michigan has a strict liability rule. That means the pet owner is automatically liable with two exceptions:
- The person bitten was trespassing
- The person bitten aggressively provoked the dog
At Whiting Law, our attorneys have years of experience suing for dog bites. We have seen what the damage from these attacks can entail, ranging from small puncture wounds to life-threatening infections and amputations. The severity of the injuries generally depends on the type of dog, the victim’s ability for self-defense, the duration of the attack and the number of animals involved.
Who Pays Dog Bite Settlements?
In Michigan, the pet owner’s home insurance pays the settlement resulting from a dog bite case. If there have been other incidents involving the dog or if it’s a breed considered to be dangerous, the insurance carrier may drop coverage or raise the homeowner’s insurance rates.
Likewise, suing for a dog bite can be costly to the carrier, and they have been known to try to avoid paying out. At Whiting Law, we’ll fight for you and ensure the big insurance companies meet their compensation responsibilities.
What If You Know The Dog That Bit You?
If the owner of the dog that attacked you is a family member, friend or neighbor, it can be uncomfortable to consider suing for the dog bite. Keep in mind, however, that rarely will an individual pay the settlement in a dog bite case. It is the homeowner’s insurance policy that pays.
You deserve justice, no matter what your relationship with the owner is. We will help you through suing for the dog bite in such a way that you are fairly compensated while preserving your relationship with the pet’s owner.
What To Do After An Attack
Do not proceed alone. Insurance companies regularly use legal action to try to avoid paying settlements for these and other premises liability claims; so to succeed in suing for a dog bite, you will need an attorney of your own. We have extensive knowledge of dog bite and personal injury cases and have won dozens of lawsuits. We will use our experience to support you throughout the process and get you the settlement you deserve.
Justice For A Young Victim
We recently resolved a case on behalf of a young child whose face was mauled by the dog of a family friend. We proceeded in suing for the dog bite that resulted in a settlement of $95,000 and was structured to either help pay for college or the child’s first home.
Get A Strong Advocate By Your Side
If you or someone you love has been bitten or injured by a dog, you need someone on your side who will work to get you the fair and just compensation you are entitled to. Contact a Michigan dog bite lawyer at the Whiting Law firm today.
Reach us online or over the phone at 248-355-5900.